Kings four returners under 17:00, 37 second 1-5 split, 16:45 average times of top five.

Although Kings and Mason are both respectable teams, I don't think it's logical predicting them to defeat St. Xavier. First off, if you're going off of Milesplit's XC team score based off of returning D1 runners 5K PR's (which I would take with a grain of salt), St. X is #2 in the state, Kings is #5, and Mason is #32. Second off, St. Xavier and Mason both made it to the State Meet last year while Kings didn't even qualify due to their 10th place finish at Regionals. Third off, St. X is returning four runners that defeated Kings #1 returning runner @Districts and three runners that defeated Kings #1 returning runner @Regionals. Fourth off, the top five returning Kings runners (based off of 5K Pr's) all ran their fastest times at the Eastern Cincinnati Conference Championship, which means the course was either short or just ridiculously fast. And finally, St. X is returning four 3200 runners (9:44, 9:51, 9:52, 10:04) that are faster than Kings #1 returning 3200 runner (10:08). A more logical list would look like this:
1. St. X
2. Kings
3. Mason

St. X- no one beats them unless Tom Rapp finds some magic in his hat
Mason
Kings- they do add in all probability the best incoming freshmen in the state of Ohio- ran I believe a 4:32 mile this past track season in 8th grade. Which should equate to a solid runner, but we all know that freshmen are unpredictable. We have seen freshmen run amazing and finish top 10 in the state but most freshmen are still boys and unpredictable.

Very early in the season, many kids did not race and many are not in racing shape. Coaching will win out come championship season.
St.X and Mason did not race but they are heads above these other teams.

Realistically--only St. X and Mason will make it out this year to the state meet. At the SW Regional you need to throw in Centerville, Carroll and Beavercreek. Carroll-back in D1 returns a deep squad that will (on paper) beat the 3-4-5 Cincinnati teams. Carroll could beat Mason if they develop and find their legs in a big D1 race. But time will tell.